Bass is very important; a lot of unsung talent is in the so called "back line". I'm a guitar player, among other things, and used to be under the mistaken impression that bass players were frustrated guitarists.

In the typical line up, bass listens to the drummer (another under-appreciated role), and everybody else listens to the bass & drums. I picked up an old beat up Fender Precision Special, the one with active circuitry, and have learned an abiding respect for bass players over the years. Wish I could master that slap technique.

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